Every child in Missouri’s foster care system deserves safety, dignity, and real protection—not fewer safeguards.

Recent reporting highlights a proposed Missouri bill that would allow foster children to be placed in unlicensed residential facilities that register with a private, faith-based association instead of meeting state licensing standards. This comes after years of documented abuse allegations at some unlicensed boarding schools, where survivors described physical punishment, isolation, and neglect.

Missourians across the political spectrum can agree on this: when the state takes custody of a child, it has a duty to ensure that child is safe. That responsibility should not depend on whether a facility is public, private, or faith-based. It requires consistent, independent oversight that puts children first.

Supporters of the bill point to a real challenge—Missouri’s foster system is under strain, and more placement options are needed. But expanding capacity should never come at the cost of accountability. Loosening oversight risks repeating past failures, especially when previous abuses occurred in settings without meaningful external monitoring.

Any facility entrusted with foster children must meet clear, enforceable safety standards and be subject to independent review.

We urge Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, members of the Missouri General Assembly, and the Missouri Department of Social Services to reject any legislation that allows foster placements in unlicensed facilities without full state oversight. Instead, strengthen the system by investing in safe, licensed placements and enforcing consistent protections for every child.

Missouri can address the foster care shortage without lowering standards. Children in state custody have already experienced instability. They should never be placed in environments where their safety is uncertain.

Protect children. Strengthen oversight. Do not turn back the clock.